Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to James Swan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04068 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 January 1789 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 32.4 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks him for his last letters. Apologizes for not writing to him about private matters, but alludes to the fact that the custom in Europe (where Swan is) is for the post officers to open the mail, so he did not feel comfortable going into detail. Hopes very sincerely that Swan is able to extricate himself from financial difficulty and "avail yourself of the rising prosperity" of the United States. Mentions that he has been in Boston and Swan's wife and children are in perfect health. Discusses the new Constitution of the United States, explaining that the legislatures of New York and Virginia are calling for a new convention; North Carolina and Rhode Island are still debating, North Carolina calling a new state convention and Rhode Island "still holding out." Discusses international trade as well.
[draft-partial]
[2] The New Constitution of this Country will soon take place [3] [strikeout] [inserted: much] good is presaged to result from its operations - [It's] opponents are diminishing daily - [struck: New York and] The majority of the legislatures of New York and Virginia wish for a new general convention but the other states which have accepted it seem to desire [strikeout] [inserted: that] experience should be the director of any future alterations
North Carolina after rejecting the Constitution has called another convention to assemble next November - Rhode Island is still holding out but it must ultimately [struck: accede to the New] [inserted: conform to the great] majority of the Country...
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